"I do think that we need to move on properly surveying the grotto and determining if there are other caverns in the area. No matter who moves into the area we will need to ensure their safety and protect the grotto. I really love it" she added, "have you seen it? It is gorgeous." Tamalyn moved onto a new topic. "Tomorrow I am going to see the ice dwarves, my father and I are going to build a mountain for them."

He grinned at that. "That should please him, something I don't think he's done yet. We'll have the grotto explored and mapped as quickly as we can. They think it leads to a network of caves, we'll have to see."

Tamalyn smiled, "he was quite pleased with Indra's idea" she agreed. "As for the grotto, I know that there is nore to it. I could tell, but the entrance is incredibly dangerous. No one wanted to risk exploring it, so it was sealed instead. I don't want anyone to get hurt exploring it, but I would like see how in depth it gors."

Tamalyn nodded her agreement, "I will speak with Captain Steelheart in the morning before we go visit the dwarves. How have things been here? Any news on the second armies or the convoy progress? Anything else happening that I should be aware of?"

"True, and I have yet to visit my office. I did bring some of the paperwork to the field, but only the important things. I will read it tomorrow" she added then headed home for dinner.

"Good evening Brock" Tamalyn greeted her chamberlain. "Thank you for joining me for dinner. I don't care to dine alone very much and we have not had much of an opportunity to get to know each other. So, I thought this was the perfect way. What are we having for dinner?" She asked him having requested they enjoy his favorite meal.

"Cold shrimp to start," he replied. "Followed by a dwarven pepper beef soup, pheasant baked elven style and served with baked asparagus and green beans, then wild berry ice for dessert." He replied. "Everything produced here, except the shrimp. The engineers in Aldoranda sent them fresh from the docks today."

"Sounds delicious" she said, "very eclectic. These are your favorite foods? Or are you stretching the chef's skills?" She took her place at the table. "After spending so many years in Valcastria, I found that this winter has been quite light and short. It is surprising to find that a few snows and spring is just around the corner. I keep expecting to go outside and find either piles of snow or melts so bad the muds try and pull you under. Did it take you long to adjust to Selnen winters?"

"I thought a bit of a change would be nice," he grinned. "Especially since you are so prejudiced against squab. As to winter, it is much milder here than in Valcaster, It was a bit cold, but the snow wasn't nearly as deep."

"Pigeons are basically flying rats, I wouldn't want those served either" she shrugged. "I do like pheasant, but I have never had it prepared using an elven recipe. My last chef was a dwarf, she didn't stray too far from her native dishes. Before that, I ate with my parents. My mother is a good cook, but my father likes homey meals. Steak, roasts, chicken all very simply prepared. Though tasty" she added. Tamalyn knew that his mother had died, but didn't know any details, and didn't ask him about her. "Was your father a good cook? I have heard that he had a good morning pancake recipe" she added encouragingly.

"Interesting" she said noting that he hadn't answered her question. "Oh, I meant to tell you that while I was away my father noticed that Princess Ramona was pregnant. And she is out in the field" she smiled, "his majesty was not pleased to hear that. Though, he was impressed with her ingenuity in her political acumen to invade Perenar to rescue indentured soldiers and their families."

"Her grandmother, Queen Messiese, too the field while carrying a child," he replied. "As I recall reading she barely made it home in time to deliver. As I understand it, her command acquired her an open carriage as they were afraid the saddle would harm the child she carried."

"That was brought up" Tamalyn nodded, "it didn't ease his majesty. He sent a corps of palatine to protect her. The Princess Royal is on a ship anyway, so no horseback riding is required" she considered, "I don't think. Anyway, by now everyone she is with knows about her pregnancy. It will probably be in the broadsheets by the morning." She was quiet for the rest of the course. Before the next course was served she said something else, "so I was thinking about the gift for Oldwine's mothers. Spices seem like a nice gift, but I am worried that they will think that I thought the pie wasn't flavorful enough. Perhaps we should go a bit simpler and send a case of apples, or assorted fruits" she suggested.

"Then I will trust your judgement" she shrugged, "I have just found that his mothers tend to find fault in everything." She considered further, "of course if that is the case then I suppose that it doesn't really matter what gift I send."

"It is more than just that" she said, "but I do appreciate the thought and will keep it in mind." She didn't mention his families visit or what occurred during it. He probably already learned of it anyway. It wasn't a secret, and most of her staff had witnessed the long silent dinners she had endured. "Have you ever married?"

Tamalyn nodded, "I agree, I don't plan to ever marry. I don't even want children, though I figure someday I might" she admitted. "I don't see why I should have to have tie myself to a husband to do that" she shrugged. She tadyed the pheasant, "very good" she said of the fowl, "I like the dill" she added, "it gives it a fresh taste."

"I shall endeavor to taste it" she said thinking that it was odd to spike pheasant. "I do not fully understand your duties" she said finally. "I understand that you are in charge of the staff and household accounts. But what has me confused is you said that you took this job because I am not confident in my roll as Grand Duchess. How do you plan to help me with that? Is it part of the usual duties of a Chamberlain?"

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